Bryan and College Station ISDs received their individual grades in the Texas Education Agency’s 2025-26 accountability ratings, released Aug. 14. CSISD earned a B and BISD received a C.

The two-minute impact: The ratings evaluate Texas school districts and campuses using measures, including student achievement, school progress and closing gaps.

CSISD received a B with 86 points, compared with a C and 77 points for Bryan ISD.

“This is the third consecutive year of growth since the state education agency refreshed its accountability system,” College Station ISD said in its Aug. 14 release.

The TEA also reported stronger graduation outcomes in its 2025-26 district comparison.

Zooming out: Across the state, 85% of campuses received a C rating or higher, which is considered “acceptable academic performance” by the TEA, as previously reported. Of the state's 1,202 school districts, 24% received a higher rating than the 2024-25 school year, while 65% kept the same rating and 11% received a lower rating, TEA data shows.

College Station City Council members agreed Aug. 13 to continue monitoring impervious cover and drainage concerns in the Bee Creek basin rather than pursue immediate changes to city regulations.

The gist: The workshop was prompted by concerns from the College Station Association of Neighborhoods about impervious cover in the Bee Creek drainage basin.

Impervious cover includes surfaces, including buildings, driveways and parking areas that prevent water from soaking into the ground.

Potential policy options were presented but change to the city’s current regulations were not recommended.

Why it matters: Council members discussed the potential for redevelopment near Texas A&M University to increase density and impervious cover.

Council member Scott Shafer said some areas could see impervious cover increase from 55% to 75% as properties are redeveloped under middle housing regulations.

What’s next: A consensus was reached to monitor the issue and continue receiving public input rather than make immediate changes to the impervious cover ordinance.

Council member Mark Smith also noted increased density will affect more than drainage, including traffic, utilities and other city services.

Construction on Hwy. 6 in Bryan-College Station continues as the Texas Department of Transportation works on a new traffic pattern for the week of Aug. 17. The new pattern is reported to begin Aug. 23.

What you need to know:

• Aug. 18: Full closure of northbound lanes between Southwest Parkway and Briarcrest Drive, 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

• Aug. 19-21: Full & single lane closures along Southwest Parkway, 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

• Aug. 23: Single-lane & full closure of northbound mainlane between Southwest Parkway and University Drive, 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

Going forward: TxDOT began its $670 million “Big 6” project in December 2025 and is expected to continue through 2030.

Throughout the next six months, TxDOT said drivers should expect two main lanes in each direction to be accessible as construction of temporary pavement and retaining walls continue.

A new counseling practice offering professional and faith-informed services is now open in College Station.

About Upward Counseling Collective: “Due to the limited mental healthcare options in the area we are excited to expand the options for professional counseling services available for this community," co-owner Travis Long wrote Community Impact.

The by-appointment practice was founded by husband and wife counselors Juliana Long, LPC, RPT and Travis Long, LPC. Each counselor has more than six years experience, Travis Long said.

What Upward offers: The practice hosts counseling for individuals, couples, children, young adults and families, with a focus on issues including anxiety, grief, trauma, family transitions, relationships and emotional well-being.

Services include dialectical behavior therapy and play therapy. Juliana Long is a Registered Play Therapist and Travis Long is certified in DBT.

Before you go:

• Opened Aug. 10
• 1605 Rock Prairie Road, Ste. 316, College Station

Many Texas students began returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year in mid-August.

Here are five things Texans should know as the 2026-27 school year kicks off.

The details:

• 2026 school accountability ratings issued
• New rule impacts accountability-related school closures
• 100K students using new Texas Education Freedom Accounts
• Public school closures deepen across Texas
• Check out recent public education laws